Milan D. Swilor

Milan D. Swilor, age 83, beloved husband, father, brother, uncle, and friend, passed away April 21, 2024, in St George, Utah.

He was born in Salt Lake City on March 18, 1941, to Milan and Marie Swilor. He and his siblings grew up in the West Capitol neighborhood of Salt Lake City. He married Judy James in 1958, later divorced. Milan and Judy bought a house in Sandy, Utah, and raised their four children, Milan J, Mitch, Russell, and Julie. Even though he and Judy married and had children young, making times tough, they always found a way to go hunting and fishing with the children in tow.

In 1989, Milan started J & L Contracting. He was business savvy and found his niche in the construction industry. His sheer determination, hard work, and long hours turned J & L into a thriving enterprise that he led up to the end of his life.

He was a no-nonsense type of guy known to be stubborn and grumpy, but for those he loved and respected he would do just about anything for them. Once when his grandchildren were starting baseball and didn't have gloves, he took them over to the Smith's grocery store across the street from his house and bought them each a brand-new glove. It seemed a weird place to buy baseball gloves, but the grandchildren thought it was cool. When his children or grandchildren were going horseback riding, or to a horse show, he'd be right there supporting them. As the children and grandchildren got older and needed to know how to do something or fix something, they called Milan, because he always seemed to have an answer or knew how to fix anything.

Throughout his entire life Milan loved outdoor activities including hunting, fishing, horseback riding, and taking scenic drives. Elk and deer hunting were one of his greatest pleasures. In 2015 Milan married Lorraine Ripley, his long-time riding partner and fishing companion. They enjoyed countless hours together Kokanee fishing at Flaming Gorge Reservoir and riding their horses all over the mountains and deserts of Utah. After unofficially retiring, Milan loved nothing more than spending time at his ranch near Flaming Gorge going hunting and fishing, watching his horses in the pasture, and swapping hunting stories with friends.

Milan was preceded in death by his parents, sisters Wanda and Ruth, son Russell J., grandson Russell I., and nephew Ethan. He is survived by his wife, Lorraine, brother James (Marcia), sister Jackie Tuckett, his children, Milan J. (Kelli), Mitchell, Julie Hunt, and daughter-in-law Shanda, nine grandchildren, 20 great grandchildren, and his nieces and nephews.

A viewing will be held on Monday, April 29, 2024, from 10:30-11:30 am, at Larkin Sunset Gardens Mortuary, 1950 E Dimple Dell Rd (10600 S), Sandy, UT. A graveside service will be held at the same location on Monday, April 29, 2024, at 12 pm.